Page 3 ·
Latest Ocean Posts

A Reuters report published this week indicated there may be further consolidation on the high seas, with Marseilles, France-based CMA CGM, the third largest global ocean cargo carrier, having made an “exploratory approach” regarding potentially merging with Hamburg, Germany-based Hapag-Lloyd. The Reuters report, which cited three finance sources, said that this pairing would be in the form of a non-cash merger.

As was the case in its previous edition, the Port Tracker report issued today by the National Retail Federation (NRF) and maritime consultancy Hackett Associates expects United States-bound retail container shipments to set a new record in July. Two of the drivers for the expected gains, according to the report, are increasing consumer demand and retail sales gains.

As most shippers can tell from their rising freight bills, carriers have taken advantage of a seller’s market in transportation as the confluence of a strong economy, surging demand and labor and capacity shortages is causing multiple pain points for logisticians. That’s the conclusion of the 29th annual State of Logistics report produced by A.T. Kearney in partnership with the Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals (CSCMP) and Penske Logistics.

Port labor accord is back with yesterday’s news that the International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA), the largest union of maritime workers in North America, and the United States Maritime Alliance (USMX), an alliance of container carriers, direct employers, and port associations serving United States-based East and Gulf Coasts, have come to a tentative agreement on new six-year contract.

Over the past nine years, the number of global ocean cargo carriers operating in multiple trade lanes has dropped from 21 to 12—yet the container industry remains only marginally competitive. Shippers, meanwhile, are demanding better service in all vessel deployments.

A wide-ranging report issued last week by the American Association of Port Authorities (AAPA) provides a detailed analysis into what needs to happen in order to meet the multimodal funding needs of United States seaports. The report, entitled “The State of Freight III: Rail Access + Port Multimodal Funding Needs Report,” like its predecessors, takes a deep dive on the needs of ports to effectively move goods into and out of their facilities by land and water, according to the AAPA.

United States-bound waterborne shipments saw some growth in April, albeit not at the same levels it hit in previous months, according to data issued this week by global trade intelligence firm Panjiva. April shipments, at 955,956, saw a 0.3% gain compared to April 2017, getting annual shipment growth back on a positive track, following March’s 0.2% annual decline. March’s annual decline was the first one going back to a 7.7% annual drop-off in February 2017.

Advancements in operational technology and robotics are becoming key differentiators for our nation’s leading ocean cargo gateways. At the same time, increasing numbers of port terminals are using higher levels of automation to improve productivity and efficiency. Top Ports by volume in 2017, United States Ports by Volume, Top US ports by TEUs, Busiest Ports in the United States, United States Ports by Volume.

CMA GGM said that the objective of this deal is to “grow its presence in the logistics sector, which is closely related to shipping.” And it added that the closing of this deal is subject to the completion of CEVA’s planned IPO on the SIX Swiss Exchange, which was announced on April 20, in addition to approval from regulatory authorities.

While there are "justifiable concerns" about China’s trade practices, The Northwest Seaport Alliance (NWSA) continues to believe that productive engagement and negotiations are the best path to ensuring a fair and level playing field for mutually beneficial trade.

Looking at the many facets that comprise the container shipping sector, it is fair to say that it is replete with many familiar themes, like overcapacity and rate pressures, as well as potential opportunities for future growth and stabilization. Those are a few of many takeaways in a report issued this week by global business advisor firm AlixPartners. The report, entitled “2018 global container shipping outlook: Though challenges remain, opportunities exist for carriers,” takes an in-depth approach to various factors prevalent within the sector.

Ocean container volumes in Northern Europe are seeing decent gains, coupled with anticipated growth throughout 2018, according to the most recent edition of the Global Port Tracker report from maritime consultancy Hackett Associates and Institute of Shipping Economics and Logistics. But at the same time, the report said that a fair amount of uncertainty and overcapacity remains.

Federal Maritime Commission (FMC) Commissioner Rebecca Dye said earlier this week that the initial phase of the investigation into port demurrage, detention, and free time practices has commenced, with the FMC ordering ocean common carriers to provide information and documents to explain these practices, adding that this is also happening United States ports container terminals.

24|7 Pro Team

The 24|7 Team is your direct pipeline to solutions for your business challenges. It's your opportunity to have supply chain and logistics experts look at your specific challenges and needs, and give you free, no-obligation advice, solutions, and information.

The 24|7 Team will simplify the task of creating a database of likely partners, building your knowledge base, and preparing your Request for Proposal list.

Choosing the perfect software or system can be an indomitable challenge. Using this transportation/TMS RFP will simplify the task of creating a database of likely partners, building your knowledge base, and preparing your Request for Proposal list.

Choosing the perfect WMS solution can be an indomitable challenge. Using this WMS RFP will simplify the task of creating a database of likely partners, building your knowledge base, and preparing your WMS Request for Proposal list.

Supply Chain RFP/RFI

The Supply Chain RFP is your opportunity to have logistics experts look at your specific challenges and needs, and receive free, no-obligation advice, solutions, and information. It simplifies finding a pool of likely partners, building your knowledge base, and preparing your Request for Proposal list. The companies in the Logistics Planner have agreed to respond to your request for in-depth information and follow-up, and your request is totally confidential.

The companies listed below have agreed to respond to your request for in-depth information and follow-up. Your request is totally confidential.

Executive Education RFI

The Logistics and Supply Chain Education RFI can help you identify the schools, coursework, continuing education, distance learning and certification opportunities available from leading logistics educational institutions.

Upgrade and improve your logistics and supply chain skillsets. Whatever route you choose—advanced degree, executive education, certification or distance learning—the time and money you invest in your education today can pay off in continued career success tomorrow. Contact leading universities and professional institutions for the information you need to prepare for the future.

Third Party Logistics RFP/RFI

This 3PL Request for Proposal (RFP)/Request for Information (RFI) can help you find the 3PL and 4PL providers that can meet your specific 3PL service challenges and needs. The 3PL companies below will provide free, no-obligation third-party logistics advice, solutions, and information.